Month: December 2018

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Heaven, And Signs Of The Times

A Debka.com Story Line From December 27th –

A new Russian threat was received in Israel on Wednesday, Dec. 26: Any more air strikes and Syria’s SA-5 air defense missiles will be fired deep into Israel – like the one that shook several towns on Tuesday night in the middle of an IAF (Israeli Air Force) attack on Iranian sites in Syria. Israel’s air defense system missed the intruding missile; it exploded harmlessly in an unpopulated part of Mt. Carmel. By issuing this threat, Moscow confirmed that the Syrian missile was aimed deliberately at the Israeli heartland, and was not a stray from the attacks on Israeli aircraft, as some Israeli officials have claimed.

People living in the towns of Hadera, Caesarea, Or Akiva, Zichon Yacov and Binyamina reported that their houses shook under the blast and for many hours the air reeked of gunpowder. A quarter of a million Israeli civilians were affected. That would be a mild foretaste of what is to come if the Russians carry out their threat of payback for any more Israeli air strikes over Syria. And that was a single SA-5 missile. The impact of five or 10 fired by a Syrian battery does not bear thinking of.

One Blogger’s Comment –

“Yes Israel will attack again, and Russia will strike back and Israel will strike harder and Russia will get more angry and strike even harder. The world will try to calm down the situation but the damage will be irreversible. At this point a true test will be there for Trump and his loyalty. Will he stay loyal to the grand puppeteer Putin or will he show loyalty to America’s step child – Israel?”

As I mentioned recently, one top Israeli military leader commented that Israel will probably be involved in a major war in 2019.

The way God’s been faithful to bring the Jews back to life in the land He promised them so many centuries ago, and the war mentioned in chapters 37-39 of the Bible’s Old Testament book of Ezekiel (I included those chapters below for those who have not read them) are signs to the world that He keeps His Word. In the Ezekiel war, God will completely destroy the enemies (Russia, Syria, Turkey, Iran…) that attack His people, defenseless Israel.

Take time to look up, to think about Heaven and how close we are to being there based on the end times events that continue to inch closer and closer to being culminated.

God bless,

Mark

Ezekiel Chapters 37-39 New Living Translation (NLT)

A Valley of Dry Bones

37 The Lord took hold of me, and I was carried away by the Spirit of the Lord to a valley filled with bones. 2 He led me all around among the bones that covered the valley floor. They were scattered everywhere across the ground and were completely dried out. 3 Then he asked me, “Son of man, can these bones become living people again?”

“O Sovereign Lord,” I replied, “you alone know the answer to that.”

4 Then he said to me, “Speak a prophetic message to these bones and say, ‘Dry bones, listen to the word of the Lord! 5 This is what the Sovereign Lord says: Look! I am going to put breath into you and make you live again! 6 I will put flesh and muscles on you and cover you with skin. I will put breath into you, and you will come to life. Then you will know that I am the Lord.’”

7 So I spoke this message, just as he told me. Suddenly as I spoke, there was a rattling noise all across the valley. The bones of each body came together and attached themselves as complete skeletons. 8 Then as I watched, muscles and flesh formed over the bones. Then skin formed to cover their bodies, but they still had no breath in them.

9 Then he said to me, “Speak a prophetic message to the winds, son of man. Speak a prophetic message and say, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: Come, O breath, from the four winds! Breathe into these dead bodies so they may live again.’”

10 So I spoke the message as he commanded me, and breath came into their bodies. They all came to life and stood up on their feet—a great army.

11 Then he said to me, “Son of man, these bones represent the people of Israel. They are saying, ‘We have become old, dry bones—all hope is gone. Our nation is finished.’ 12 Therefore, prophesy to them and say, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: O my people, I will open your graves of exile and cause you to rise again. Then I will bring you back to the land of Israel. 13 When this happens, O my people, you will know that I am the Lord. 14 I will put my Spirit in you, and you will live again and return home to your own land. Then you will know that I, the Lord, have spoken, and I have done what I said. Yes, the Lord has spoken!’”

Reunion of Israel and Judah

15 Again a message came to me from the Lord: 16 “Son of man, take a piece of wood and carve on it these words: ‘This represents Judah and its allied tribes.’ Then take another piece and carve these words on it: ‘This represents Ephraim and the northern tribes of Israel.’ 17 Now hold them together in your hand as if they were one piece of wood. 18 When your people ask you what your actions mean, 19 say to them, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: I will take Ephraim and the northern tribes and join them to Judah. I will make them one piece of wood in my hand.’

20 “Then hold out the pieces of wood you have inscribed, so the people can see them. 21 And give them this message from the Sovereign Lord: I will gather the people of Israel from among the nations. I will bring them home to their own land from the places where they have been scattered. 22 I will unify them into one nation on the mountains of Israel. One king will rule them all; no longer will they be divided into two nations or into two kingdoms. 23 They will never again pollute themselves with their idols and vile images and rebellion, for I will save them from their sinful apostasy. I will cleanse them. Then they will truly be my people, and I will be their God.

24 “My servant David will be their king, and they will have only one shepherd. They will obey my regulations and be careful to keep my decrees. 25 They will live in the land I gave my servant Jacob, the land where their ancestors lived. They and their children and their grandchildren after them will live there forever, generation after generation. And my servant David will be their prince forever. 26 And I will make a covenant of peace with them, an everlasting covenant. I will give them their land and increase their numbers, and I will put my Temple among them forever. 27 I will make my home among them. I will be their God, and they will be my people. 28 And when my Temple is among them forever, the nations will know that I am the Lord, who makes Israel holy.”

A Message for Gog

38 This is another message that came to me from the Lord: 2 “Son of man, turn and face Gog of the land of Magog, the prince who rules over the nations of Meshech and Tubal, and prophesy against him. 3 Give him this message from the Sovereign Lord: Gog, I am your enemy! 4 I will turn you around and put hooks in your jaws to lead you out with your whole army—your horses and charioteers in full armor and a great horde armed with shields and swords. 5 Persia, Ethiopia, and Libya will join you, too, with all their weapons. 6 Gomer and all its armies will also join you, along with the armies of Beth-togarmah from the distant north, and many others.

7 “Get ready; be prepared! Keep all the armies around you mobilized, and take command of them. 8 A long time from now you will be called into action. In the distant future you will swoop down on the land of Israel, which will be enjoying peace after recovering from war and after its people have returned from many lands to the mountains of Israel. 9 You and all your allies—a vast and awesome army—will roll down on them like a storm and cover the land like a cloud.

10 “This is what the Sovereign Lord says: At that time evil thoughts will come to your mind, and you will devise a wicked scheme. 11 You will say, ‘Israel is an unprotected land filled with unwalled villages! I will march against her and destroy these people who live in such confidence! 12 I will go to those formerly desolate cities that are now filled with people who have returned from exile in many nations. I will capture vast amounts of plunder, for the people are rich with livestock and other possessions now. They think the whole world revolves around them!’ 13 But Sheba and Dedan and the merchants of Tarshish will ask, ‘Do you really think the armies you have gathered can rob them of silver and gold? Do you think you can drive away their livestock and seize their goods and carry off plunder?’

14 “Therefore, son of man, prophesy against Gog. Give him this message from the Sovereign Lord: When my people are living in peace in their land, then you will rouse yourself. 15 You will come from your homeland in the distant north with your vast cavalry and your mighty army, 16 and you will attack my people Israel, covering their land like a cloud. At that time in the distant future, I will bring you against my land as everyone watches, and my holiness will be displayed by what happens to you, Gog. Then all the nations will know that I am the Lord.

17 “This is what the Sovereign Lord asks: Are you the one I was talking about long ago, when I announced through Israel’s prophets that in the future I would bring you against my people? 18 But this is what the Sovereign Lord says: When Gog invades the land of Israel, my fury will boil over! 19 In my jealousy and blazing anger, I promise a mighty shaking in the land of Israel on that day. 20 All living things—the fish in the sea, the birds of the sky, the animals of the field, the small animals that scurry along the ground, and all the people on earth—will quake in terror at my presence. Mountains will be thrown down; cliffs will crumble; walls will fall to the earth. 21 I will summon the sword against you on all the hills of Israel, says the Sovereign Lord. Your men will turn their swords against each other. 22 I will punish you and your armies with disease and bloodshed; I will send torrential rain, hailstones, fire, and burning sulfur! 23 In this way, I will show my greatness and holiness, and I will make myself known to all the nations of the world. Then they will know that I am the Lord.

The Slaughter of Gog’s Hordes

39 “Son of man, prophesy against Gog. Give him this message from the Sovereign Lord: I am your enemy, O Gog, ruler of the nations of Meshech and Tubal. 2 I will turn you around and drive you toward the mountains of Israel, bringing you from the distant north. 3 I will knock the bow from your left hand and the arrows from your right hand, and I will leave you helpless. 4 You and your army and your allies will all die on the mountains. I will feed you to the vultures and wild animals. 5 You will fall in the open fields, for I have spoken, says the Sovereign Lord. 6 And I will rain down fire on Magog and on all your allies who live safely on the coasts. Then they will know that I am the Lord.

7 “In this way, I will make known my holy name among my people of Israel. I will not let anyone bring shame on it. And the nations, too, will know that I am the Lord, the Holy One of Israel. 8 That day of judgment will come, says the Sovereign Lord. Everything will happen just as I have declared it.

9 “Then the people in the towns of Israel will go out and pick up your small and large shields, bows and arrows, javelins and spears, and they will use them for fuel. There will be enough to last them seven years! 10 They won’t need to cut wood from the fields or forests, for these weapons will give them all the fuel they need. They will plunder those who planned to plunder them, and they will rob those who planned to rob them, says the Sovereign Lord.

11 “And I will make a vast graveyard for Gog and his hordes in the Valley of the Travelers, east of the Dead Sea. It will block the way of those who travel there, and they will change the name of the place to the Valley of Gog’s Hordes. 12 It will take seven months for the people of Israel to bury the bodies and cleanse the land. 13 Everyone in Israel will help, for it will be a glorious victory for Israel when I demonstrate my glory on that day, says the Sovereign Lord.

14 “After seven months, teams of men will be appointed to search the land for skeletons to bury, so the land will be made clean again. 15 Whenever bones are found, a marker will be set up so the burial crews will take them to be buried in the Valley of Gog’s Hordes. 16 (There will be a town there named Hamonah, which means ‘horde.’) And so the land will finally be cleansed.

17 “And now, son of man, this is what the Sovereign Lord says: Call all the birds and wild animals. Say to them: Gather together for my great sacrificial feast. Come from far and near to the mountains of Israel, and there eat flesh and drink blood! 18 Eat the flesh of mighty men and drink the blood of princes as though they were rams, lambs, goats, and bulls—all fattened animals from Bashan! 19 Gorge yourselves with flesh until you are glutted; drink blood until you are drunk. This is the sacrificial feast I have prepared for you. 20 Feast at my banquet table—feast on horses and charioteers, on mighty men and all kinds of valiant warriors, says the Sovereign Lord.

21 “In this way, I will demonstrate my glory to the nations. Everyone will see the punishment I have inflicted on them and the power of my fist when I strike. 22 And from that time on the people of Israel will know that I am the Lord their God. 23 The nations will then know why Israel was sent away to exile—it was punishment for sin, for they were unfaithful to their God. Therefore, I turned away from them and let their enemies destroy them. 24 I turned my face away and punished them because of their defilement and their sins.


Restoration for God’s People

25 “So now, this is what the Sovereign Lord says: I will end the captivity of my people; I will have mercy on all Israel, for I jealously guard my holy reputation! 26 They will accept responsibility for their past shame and unfaithfulness after they come home to live in peace in their own land, with no one to bother them. 27 When I bring them home from the lands of their enemies, I will display my holiness among them for all the nations to see. 28 Then my people will know that I am the Lord their God, because I sent them away to exile and brought them home again. I will leave none of my people behind. 29 And I will never again turn my face from them, for I will pour out my Spirit upon the people of Israel. I, the Sovereign Lord, have spoken!”


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Saltiness Sets Us Free

It’s just so much fun to let Jesus work in your life – To let Him set you more and more free.

Am I really a disciple of Christ? Or am I just a hearer of the Word? I think of all the years I went to church thinking I was a disciple of Jesus, but I was really just a hearer because I wasn’t doing the Word.

The “If, then” that leads to freedom in Christ.

I know that in my life, I was stuck in my sins until I started ‘doing’ the Word. I was constantly dismayed, had my own agendas, confused, double-minded, stuck in resentment, bitterness, unforgiveness, greed, jealousy, anger, religious pride, scared of the future, wasn’t loving my wife and daughters the way Jesus wanted me to, constantly let circumstances ruin me (and those around me), couldn’t find and didn’t have Jesus’ peace, and a whole list of other sins until we began memorizing and “doing” the Word. I mean it when I tell you I was living a miserable life and living far apart from the freedom Jesus had in store for me.

For years, we’d heard the Word, but the only time it made a difference in us was when Jesus motivated us to begin to do it, to put it into practice in our everyday lives…And then, to continue in the Word so it could help us grow in Jesus and become more free from the list of sins I mentioned above.

To the Jews who had believed him (as well as any of us who have believed in Jesus), Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching (if you continue to follow Me), you are really my disciples. Then (and only then) you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
John 8:31-32

If we don’t follow Jesus by doing what He says to do, we’re not really His disciples and we won’t be set free from our ways, the sin that’s destroying our lives.

Jesus was saying that if a person is a “doer” of the Word, and not just a hearer of His Words, that person will know the truth (will know Jesus Who is the truth), and that person will be set free.

I heard a pastor in a Christian movie say something like this: “If we return hate for hate, greed for greed, anger for anger, jealousy for jealousy, pride for pride, selfishness for selfishness, unforgiveness for unforgiveness (or road rage for road rage as in my case), then we’re (professing Christians) no different than the world and they’ll never see Jesus living in us.” His words reminded me of Matthew 5:13:

“You (Christ’s disciples; those who have asked Jesus into their lives) are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its taste, it cannot be made salty again. Salt is useless if it loses its salty taste. It will be thrown out where people will just walk on it.
Matthew 5:13

It’s true, if we continue in His Word, if we “do” His Word, if we apply it to our lives and everyday circumstances, we will know the truth (we’ll be forgiving, we’ll have Jesus’ peace in our souls, we won’t be jealous or covet, or hateful, or greedy, or angered when things don’t go our way, He’ll enable us to live above our circumstances, etc.),that is, Jesus’ instructions for how to live life His way, and we will be free from anger, jealousy, self-pity, fear, unforgiveness, etc. Jesus is telling us this can only be accomplished if we truly follow Him by doing His Word, by letting His Word work in our lives to change us.

Put the Word into practice in your life no matter what others think. Let Jesus set you free, and then let Him continue to set you free. Become doers of the Word beginning today. You’ll be so happy you did.

God bless,

Mark

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Old Mans’ Rubble

And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.
Philippians 1:6 (NLT)

God really wants those who love Him to walk in all the spiritual freedom they can. If they’re willing to follow Him, and to change the way they’re responding to His call, and the way they’re living, He’ll continue His liberating work in their life to bring them out of all the deception the Devil has planted in this world and in their life. This is what God’s doing in my life and I know His liberating work in me has only just begun.

I needed a new pair of headphones for my computer. My son-in-law, Matt, is letting me try out one of his headphone sets. I tried them out on the following song made popular years ago. The headphones work really well. ☺

As I listened to the song, the Holy Spirit began to move on my heart in some new ways. This is a powerful song God has used to help many people desire to become much closer to Jesus in their walk with the Lord. The lyrics sure spoke to me in some powerful ways

Old Man’s Rubble – Luke Garrett.

Old Man’s Rubble
Written by Brown Bannister

Are you living in an old man’s rubble
Are you listenin’ to the father of lies?

Are you walkin’ with unnecessary burdens?
Are you trying to take them upon yourself?
If you are then you’re living in bondage,
And you know that’s bad for your spiritual health

And are you trying to live by your emotions?
Are you puttin’ your faith in what you feel and see?
Then you’re living just to satisfy your passions,
But you better be careful, you’re being deceived.

Are you living in an old man’s rubble;
Are you listenin’ to the father of lies?
If you are then you’re headed for trouble.
If you listen too long, you’ll eventually die.

Are you living in an old man’s rubble;
Are you listenin’ to the father of lies?
If you are then you’re headed for trouble.
If you listen too long, you’ll eventually die.

Are you puzzled by the way that you’re behavin’;
Do you wonder why you do the things you do?
And are you troubled by your lack of resistance;
Do you feel that something’s got a hold on you?

Deep within’ you there’s a spiritual battle;
There’s a voice of the darkness and a voice of the light.
And just by listening we’ve made our decision,
’Cause the voice we hear is gonna’ win the fight.

Are you living in an old man’s rubble;
Are you listenin’ to the father of lies?
If you are then you’re headed for trouble.
If you listen too long, you’ll eventually die.

If you’re living as a new creation;
If you’re listening to the Father of light,
Then you’re living in a mighty fortress
And you’re gonna’ be clothed in power and might.

Are you living in an old man’s rubble;
Are you listenin’ to the father of lies?
If you are then you’re headed for trouble.
If you listen too long, you’ll eventually die.

If you’re living as a new creation;
If you’re listening to the Father of light,
Then you’re living in a mighty fortress
And you’re gonna’ be clothed in power and might.

17 With the Lord’s authority I (the Apostle Paul) say this: Live no longer as the Gentiles do, for they are hopelessly confused. 18 Their minds are full of darkness; they wander far from the life God gives because they have closed their minds and hardened their hearts against him. 19 They have no sense of shame. They live for lustful pleasure and eagerly practice every kind of impurity (*lasciviousness in the KJV).

20 But that isn’t what you learned about Christ. 21 Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, 22 throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. 23 Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. 24 Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.

25 So stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body. 26 And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.” Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 for (because) anger gives a foothold to the devil.
Ephesians 4:17-27 (New Living Translation – NLT)

God bless,

Mark

*”The lascivious person will not be able to enter the kingdom of heaven (Galatians 5:19-21). To ignore the biblical warnings is the epitome of folly.”

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Merry Christmas!

For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder.  And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.  Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end, Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, To order it and establish it with judgment and justice From that time forward, even forever.  The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.
Isaiah 9:6-7

Mary did you know that your baby boy would one day walk on water?
Mary did you know that your baby boy would save our sons and daughters?
Did you know that your baby boy has come to make you new?
This child that you’ve delivered, will soon deliver you

Mary did you know that your baby boy will give sight to a blind man?
Mary did you know that your baby boy will calm a storm with his hand?
Did you know that your baby boy has walked where angels trod?
When you kiss your little baby, you kiss the face of God

Mary did you know? Mary did you know? Mary did you know?

Mary did you know? Mary did you know? Mary did you know?

The blind will see, the deaf will hear, the dead will live again
The lame will leap, the dumb will speak, the praises of the lamb

Mary did you know that your baby boy is Lord of all creation?
Mary did you know that your baby boy would one day rule the nations?
Did you know that your baby boy is heaven’s perfect lamb?
That sleeping child you’re holding is the great I am.

God bless,

Mark and Ann

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Who Goes To Heaven?

Do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him (Satan) who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.
Matthew 10:28

As we move further into the “End Times” and closer to the time of the “Great Tribulation” the Bible speaks so clearly about, I wanted to send out an article that talks about who goes to Heaven. So many people have their own ideas or are confused about Heaven and how to get there. Based on the Bible, the following article concisely states who will and will not be allowed into Heaven.

The article about Heaven is a little long, but very good.

Take time to think about Heaven today and this weekend. It’s so good for us to spend time thinking about it.

Don’t All Good People Go to Heaven?
By Robert Velarde at Focus On The Family

In John 6:38, Jesus said, “For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me” (NIV). Six times in John 6 it is stressed that Jesus came down from heaven, underscoring not only his divine origin, but also that his purpose is to do God’s will. The Greek word translated as “heaven” refers to the dwelling place of God. In Christian theology it is also where the redeemed (Those who have accepted Jesus as their Savior) will dwell.

There is a common perception that so long as one leads a generally good life, they will get into heaven. But the question, “Don’t all good people go to heaven?” presupposes a number of points. First, there is usually the assumption that God exists and that He is all loving. Second, there is an assumption that although some “bad” people may need punishment, most people are generally “good” and, as such, are entitled to heaven. Third, there is the view that entrance into heaven is on the basis of merit (our works) rather than God’s grace. Fourth, related to the question about heaven is the implicit suggestion that hell, if it exists at all, is really only for a marginal few who are responsible for particularly evil acts. Let’s briefly look at these points.

God Exists and is All Loving

That God exists is an obvious component of the Christian worldview. He not only exists, but is also creator, designer and sustainer of the universe and everything in it. Not only is He ever present, all knowing, and all powerful, God is also all loving. He is a personal being active in His creation, but distinct from it. Those who argue that all good people go to heaven then make the case that a loving God would not turn away good and sincere individuals. Instead, they reason, it’s obvious that He would allow them into heaven.

This position, however, fails to consider the broad spectrum of the nature of God. While we may glean general principles about Him from what He has made (Romans 1:20) such as His existence, power and moral nature, we learn specifics about Him from the Bible—His special revelation. It is here that we learn that God is indeed merciful (Deuteronomy 4:31; Daniel 9:9), but also just (Job 34:12; Psalm 45:6; Isaiah 30:18). He is also completely holy. These aspects of His nature, particularly his justice and holiness, mean that anything even remotely sinful cannot dwell in God’s presence.

Are Most People Good?

The next assumption is that although some “bad” people may need punishment, most are generally “good” and entitled to heaven. The position that views people as generally good and entitled to heaven tends to make the error of viewing human nature as basically good. Biblical evidence as well as experiential evidence show this view to be false. As the Bible explains, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” (Jeremiah 17:9, KJV). Psalm 51:5 comes across even stronger: “Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me.”

Biblically speaking, most people are not “good.” In fact, when compared to God’s standards of holiness, no one is “good.” To one degree or another, we all “fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). This does not mean that we are always actively engaged in doing evil or participating in depraved acts all the time. But it does mean that in our very nature we are “fallen,” in rebellion against God and incapable of saving ourselves.

Works and Grace

The view that entrance into heaven is on the basis of merit (our works) rather than God’s grace is also common. But a works based system of salvation is foreign to the message of Christ. Whether or not one enters heaven is not dependent on a continuum of good and evil, wherein we hope our good acts outweigh our bad ones. While this perspective may be common, it is biblically incorrect. As Ephesians 2:8-9 reads, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith — and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God — not by works, so that no one can boast” (NIV). Grace is God’s unmerited favor, demonstrated most fully in the sacrifice of Christ. In short, the only way to heaven is through Jesus, “the way and the truth and the life” (John 14:6).

Those who argue that all good people go to heaven often suggest that if hell exists, it is reserved for a minority of particularly evil people. But since most people are not so evil, they argue, it makes sense to claim that all good people will get to heaven regardless of any minor lapses in moral behavior. Does this reasoning hold up? It does so only if it fails to take into account the nature of God, the nature of sin, and what the Bible has to say on the subject. As we’ve noted, God is holy, but He is also just. God’s justice requires the reality of hell for the unredeemed. The nature of sin extends, biblically speaking, to everyone. Salvation is not by works, but by God’s grace through Christ.

What if you’re sincere?

What about sincere and good people who are not Christian? Won’t God welcome them into heaven? This assumes that sincerity is enough to correspond to truth, when in reality it is not. As Proverbs 16:25 reads, “There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.” Sincerity will only get someone so far, then it must face reality. No matter how sincere someone may be about being able to fly by frantically flapping their arms, their sincerity will not keep them in the air. Besides, if someone is actively believing something that is not true and, as a result, is implicitly if not explicitly rejecting God, it seems odd for God to welcome such a person into heaven. Sincerity, then, is not enough. One also has to believe what is true.

“No one is good – except God alone”

Like the man who approached Jesus and used the word “good,” perhaps without giving it much thought, we too need to be careful how we use and define our terms. As Jesus answered, “No one is good – except God alone” (Mark 10:18; Luke 18:19). Do all “good” people go to heaven? Since no one is good as defined by God, the answer is, “No.” Those who enter heaven do so not on the basis of merit, but on the basis of God’s grace as bestowed by Jesus Christ. We can’t work our way to heaven or claim to be without sin (1 John 1:8). Instead, we must humbly submit to God, turn from our wrong behavior, and turn to Christ for salvation.

If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved.
Romans 10:9-10 (NLT)

Will I go to Heaven or Hell when this life is over? The choice is up to each of us…

God bless,

Mark

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Love, And All It Holds For Us And The World

For whom he (God) did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son (Jesus), that he (Jesus) might be the firstborn among many brethren.
Romans 8:29

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: 4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: 5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,
Ephesians 1:3-5

18 But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.
2 Corinthians 3:18

I was reminded again yesterday about my need to be more like Jesus. It was such a precious reminder. That’s how God is. Always reminding us of His Presence with us as He makes us into His amazing, loving image. What an incredible privilege it is to be the sons and daughters of God.

I was watching something yesterday and a pastor read the love chapter in 1 Corinthians in the Bible’s New Testament. Suddenly, my heart softened to the words of this precious passage of scripture. The words just help me to relax, calm down, gain a greater perspective, reset priorities and encourage me to want to be more patient and loving towards my wife, family, friends, and those I meet throughout the day and week.

As I was reading the passage again right now, the sweet Holy Spirit reminded me that His work in my life will make me like the Heavenly characteristics listed in verses 4-7 below. I got so excited just thinking that He’s doing that kind of wonderful “love” work in all His children as they continue walking with Jesus. What a blessing to be made into Christ’s image. What peace, rest, love, grace, mercy and joy awaits us as we grow in Jesus. This is what we as individuals and the world at large need today, and every day – The soothing, secure, loving, and comforting touch of Jesus in our lives.

“Jesus, please make me more loving, more like You.”

1 If I could speak all the languages of earth and of angels, but didn’t love others, I would only be a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I understood all of God’s secret plans and possessed all knowledge, and if I had such faith that I could move mountains, but didn’t love others, I would be nothing. 3 If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it; but if I didn’t love others, I would have gained nothing.

4 Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud 5 or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. 6 It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. 7 Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.

8 Prophecy and speaking in unknown languages and special knowledge will become useless. But love will last forever! 9 Now our knowledge is partial and incomplete, and even the gift of prophecy reveals only part of the whole picture! 10 But when the time of perfection comes, these partial things will become useless.

11 When I was a child, I spoke and thought and reasoned as a child. But when I grew up, I put away childish things. 12 Now we see things imperfectly, like puzzling reflections in a mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely.

13 Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love.
1 Corinthians 13

God’s sustaining love is so powerful and reaches into our hearts to bring us all that He is.

God bless,

Mark

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The Flesh Sets Its Desire Against (It’s Offended) The Spirit

But as it is written:  “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.”  But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit.  For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God.
1 Corinthians 2:9-10

Yesterday, I wrote about how God was doing a new work in me by showing me He wants to remove all complaining from me, from my spirit, so I can learn to trust Him even more and enter deeper into His rest.  God’s faithful to give us many opportunities to practice His new freedom for us.  When we mess up, we don’t need to feel condemnation.  We simply need to pick up where we left off and continue to let the Holy Spirit complete His work in us knowing He loves us all the time. ☺

For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do.
Galatians 5:17

In Jesus’ day, many got offended by His teachings.   It caused many to stop following Him.  It’s been the same throughout time.

The Word offends us, our flesh.  Our flesh wants to have its way and when God begins to do a new work in our lives, our flesh will get offended and resist His work of liberty in us.   This is important to recognize because many people leave Christianity when their flesh gets challenged (offended) by the Holy Spirit’s work in them.

For instance, a few weeks back, the Holy Spirit gave Ann the thought, “Is this (or any other thought she may have during the day) glorifying God?”  God was wanting to take Ann to a new level in Him.  He wanted to set her more free in her spirit by bringing this particular thought (one of His ways) to her attention.  Now, the flesh usually responds with something like, “I want to think this thought right now (or do this or that right now) and no one’s going to tell me different.”  Right?  This type of response from the flesh is what can make renewing our minds to the Word of God seem impossible at times.  But the thing is, we don’t have to follow Jesus or renew our minds in our own strength.  It’s pretty hard to defeat the flesh with the flesh, right?  As God points out new areas of freedom He has for us to walk in, the Holy Spirit living inside us reminds us of this new action over and over again.  Then, He uses His power in our lives to help us make these types of changes in our lives that bring us closer to the kind of life and relationship we had with God in the garden before the fall.  God asks us to cooperate (to be willing to do our part) with His Holy Spirit as His work is taking place in us. (Galatians 5:17 above)

Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.
Philippians 2:12-13

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.  And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
Romans 12:1-2

“I am the vine, you are the branches.  He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.
John 15:5

God bless,

Mark

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He’s Faithful To Complete His Work In Us

Blessed is the man You discipline, O LORD, and teach from Your law,
Psalm 94:12

In the multitude of my thoughts within me thy comforts delight my soul.
Psalm 94:19

While writing the following this morning, I’m sitting here with a God-inspired smile on my face that’s the result of knowing God’s continuing His work in my life.  I’m always amazed at His leading and I get so joyful knowing He’s always healing me in my spirit.

God is showing us (Ann and I) the beauty, peace, and rest His ways bring to our lives.  He keeps showing us things He wants to remove from us that are outside of the “rest” He wants to instill in us.  For instance, for about the last two weeks, the Holy Spirit’s been very gently speaking to me about stopping all complaining – My first thought was, “How could that really happen since complaining is such a part of me and life in general?”  Today, God told me He wants to heal me deeper in my soul by helping me to stop complaining.  Really.  He’s desiring for me to trust Him in a new and deeper way by not complaining.  How do I know it’s God speaking this to my spirit?  Whenever I’ve had a complaining thought lately, He’s gently interrupted that thought with, “I want to help you rest more by helping you to stop all complaining.  It’s a new way I’m having you take thoughts captive, trusting that I’m working all things together for your good, and to keep you thanking and praising Me in all things.”  (2 Corinthians 10:4-6; Romans 8:28; Ephesians 5:20 and other such loving scriptures like Ephesians 4:31-32, and Mark 12:31 about loving your neighbor as yourself)

What an incredible God and Heavenly Father we have, precious people.  Just so wonderful.  And, His healing of our spirits never ends because His infinite mercies are new every morning.

For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.
Philippians 2:13

For the word of God is alive and active.  Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
Hebrews 4:12

Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:
Philippians 1:6

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
Lamentations 3:22-23

Boy, this Christian life is so amazing…

God bless,

Mark

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For (Because) The Lord Thy God Is With Thee…

Be strong and of a good courage…Only be thou strong and very courageous…Have I (God) not commanded thee?  Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed:  For (Because) the Lord thy God is with thee withersoever thou goest…Only be strong and of a good courage.
From Joshua Chapter 1

God’s with you wherever you are.  That’s why we can always have courage.  Our loving Heavenly Father’s with us working all things together for our good.  Such amazing love…

God bless,

Mark

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Heaven

3 Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts,

4 And saying, Where is the promise of his (Jesus) coming?   For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.

5 For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water:

6 Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished:

7 But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.
2 Peter 3:3-7

Yesterday, I heard a pastor talk about how close we are to Jesus’ soon return.  He talked about so many Christians growing weary while waiting for Jesus’ return, and mankind has waited so long for Jesus to come back to earth that the pastor was asked why he believes Christ’s return is very near.  He replied, “So many Bible prophecies are converging right now and it’s an indication that we are at the threshold of the great tribulation and the second coming of Christ.  We’re living in a very unique time where we’re seeing all of these (end times) signs converge and come together for the first time.  No longer am I looking for (end times) signs, I’m listening for the sound of the trumpet.”

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God:  and the dead in Christ shall rise first:

17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

1 Thessalonians 4:16-18
 
Heaven – Be sure to think about it throughout the week.  It fills us with so much hope.  Look up.  For very good reasons, Jesus commands His followers to do so…
 
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God bless,

Mark

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What It Means For Me To Be “In Christ”

And if we are children, then we are heirs:  heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ—if indeed we suffer with Him, so that we may also be glorified with Him.  I consider that our present sufferings are not comparable to the glory that will be revealed in us.
Romans 8:17-18

My Hope Is Built On Nothing Less
Christian Hymn by Edward Mote

My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness;
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly lean on Jesus’ name.

On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand,
All other ground is sinking sand.

When darkness veils (hides) His lovely face,
I rest on His unchanging grace;
In every high and stormy gale,
My anchor holds within the veil.

His oath, His covenant, His blood,
Support me in the whelming flood;
When all around my soul gives way,
He then is all my hope and stay.

When He shall come with trumpet sound,
Oh, may I then in Him be found;
Dressed in His righteousness, alone,
Faultless to stand before the throne.

As you know, last week was a really painful one for me and Ann and we had to be diligent in our faith.  I had severe headaches, visual problems and was super weak physically and emotionally.  I was having difficulty breathing, a really hard time thinking, and my memory was failing me which can be typical of my migraine attacks and probably included some detoxing symptoms.  But, and this is so important to communicate to you, God kept telling me to keep praising Him and believing He was still in control of my life and that this weak time would lead to more faith and trust in Him.  He told me to see this situation through and that it would merely serve to instill in me (and Ann) more of His precious, life-liberating wisdom, compassion, rest, love, mercy, peace and joy.

Ann and I live to love Him.  We’re realizing more and more that we’re nothing without His Presence.

That being said…☺

Romans 8:28 allows me to look beyond right now and to remind me that God will work everything together for my good – Just like last week.  This keeps my faith stable and strong as I trust God into tomorrow and beyond.

What does it mean for me to be “in Christ?”  For one thing, eternal salvation.  On a day-to-day basis, in Christ means that Romans 8:28 is for real and that its truth (Jesus, really) will never fail me.  For me, in Christ means renewing my mind to His Word and having His victory in my thought life – this is paramount.  It means living with Him above the circumstances and conditions of this world and the lies of the devil that try to defeat the life I have come to know in Christ.  It means keeping my eye on Jesus and living in the shadow of the Most High by testing the spirit behind each thought, and taking every thought captive to the obedience of Jesus Who has become the joy of my life.  This is how Ann and I live the victorious life Jesus is enabling us to walk and live in.

I’m eternally grateful to God for my precious wife who keeps reminding me of Jesus’ faithfulness by loving me with her unconditional love and support.  I can never thank Him enough for the marriage He’s allowed us to have in Him as we continue to daily encourage each other in the Lord of our lives, Jesus.

You can believe it when we (Ann and I) tell you that in Christ alone we stand…He’s truly teaching us that all other ground is sinking sand.

24Therefore whosoever (that’s you and me) heareth these sayings of mine (Jesus), and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:

25 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not:  for it was founded upon a rock (Christ).

26 And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:

27 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell:  and great was the fall of it.
Matthew 7:24-27

Jesus is available to all.  All other ground (depending on or trusting in anything other than Christ) is sinking sand.

God bless,

Mark

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Three Keys To Victory Every Day

Don’t let the enemy steal your joy today…Nor any other day.  

Live this life in the victory Jesus died on the cross to give us.  Remember, the angel told the shepherds in the fields the night Jesus was born, “”Fear not:  for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.  For (Because) unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.”  (Luke 2:10-11)

Oh, thank You, Jesus for being my Savior, and for saving me when I get discouraged, when I’m in pain, when my focus is on this world instead of on You where it belongs.

Maybe like me, at times, you’re tempted to let circumstances begin to wear you down and discourage you.  I believe that’s why the Holy Spirit gave me these three keys some time ago – He knew I’d need them to overcome this world in Jesus’ Name.   The three keys keep me looking up to Jesus Who is the Author and Finisher of my faith.   When I praise and thank Jesus, it keeps me from developing a hard heart of unbelief.  These keys help to keep me on track and in the right frame of mind regarding the things of earth, and they remind me that all of the wonderful, glorious eternity with the saints, the Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit that will be mine, forever, and soon.

Make these three keys a part of your life and walk in victory every day through Jesus our Lord.

Romans 8:28 – God’s really working all things together for the good of those who love Him.

Take thoughts captive to the obedience of Christ.   (2 Corinthians 10:3-5)

Thank and praise God in all things. All things.
Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you (and I want to be in His will) in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:18

Therefore, let us offer through Jesus a continual sacrifice of praise to God, proclaiming our allegiance to his name.
Hebrews 13:15
I’ve found that when I praise God when I’m in pain (Yes, it can be a sacrifice of praise at times), and don’t feel like doing it that praising and thanking God transforms me and strengthens my faith and trust in His love and care for me.  Before I know it, I’m believing Romans 8:28 again and taking every thought (even pain-induced ones) captive to my precious Jesus.

The LORD (not earthly circumstances the devil tries to defeat me with) is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me.   My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him.
Psalm 28:7

God bless,

Mark

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In Jesus, We Can Count “It” All Joy

Happy Monday, Everyone –

In this life, we can sometimes be tempted to think we’re going under, that we’re not going to make it.  Honestly, these are the best times because they bring us to the point where we can choose to cast all the care that’s weighing us down onto Jesus.  Jesus can take our burdens and give us His joy in the midst of trials and provide us with His peace that passes understanding.

My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.  But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.
James 1:2-4

These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace.  In the world ye shall have tribulation:  but be of good cheer; I (Jesus) have overcome the world.
John 16:33

Have a blessed day in Jesus.

God bless,

Mark

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Heaven

1 There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews:

2 The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God:  for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.

3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

4 Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old?  can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born?

5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
John 3:1-5

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life:  no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.  If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also:  and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.
John 14:6-7

God bless,

Mark

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Where God Dwells

I love it when the Lord opens my eyes to more of His ways, His truth, and liberty.  It’s so refreshing.  It’s true life.  That”s Jesus.

“I got this.”  Really?  Are you sure that’s what you want?

When will my heart believe?

Wow, there’s so much to say about today’s topic.  Pride (The devil’s downfall) keeps us from believing God.  It keeps us living with “care,” from trusting God with our whole heart; from God’s deep contentment, and apart from the assurance that God will never leave us nor forsake us; pride keeps us from letting God’s peace reign in our hearts; from renewing our minds; from being still and knowing that He is God; from truly experiencing God working all things together for our good, from the pure joy that complete surrender brings, and on and on – In other words, from dwelling with God.

For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.
Isaiah 57:15

Pride Is Killing You – Pastor Francis Chan’s video below is excellent.  He points out that God dwells with the humble, lowly and contrite (those who are truly sorry for their sins, for living apart from God’s ways).  Pride keeps us from dwelling with God.  God points out our pride so that we can be free from it to dwell in and with Him, with the Father of love and all that is true life, from living nearer and with our Prince of Peace, Jesus.

I hope you’ll watch Pastor Chan’s video and that it blesses you as much as it’s blessing us.

God bless,

Mark

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Now I (God) Do A New Thing…

I’m sitting here with a pretty painful migraine this morning.  But, God has me praising Him over what I’m about to share.  It’s so exciting how God works.

Behold, I am doing a new thing;
now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?
I will make a way in the wilderness
and rivers in the desert.
Isaiah 43:19

You have to admit, it’s really cool when the following happens to you.

Over the last several days, the Holy Spirit has been working a new work in my life.  He’s been teaching me more about how to live in the Spirit and not by my flesh.  He’s teaching me the incredibly liberating life of reacting to more of life through His peace, joy and faith.  It’s enabling me to trust His care of me in a deeper way.  It’s something I was first introduced to many years ago by Pastor Jon at Christ’s Center Church in Oregon, but the Holy Spirit is making it a reality in my life and it’s so wonderful.  God’s so faithful.  I wasn’t even thinking about it and He just started making me aware of His power changing me in this area.  Isn’t it the most interesting and amazing thing when God begins to change you without you even initiating it?

It was neat when God quickened Isaiah 43:19 to me yesterday afternoon when I told Ann about the work God’s doing in me.  God told us that while Isaiah 43:19 often applies to material needs, it applies equally to the spiritual newness of life the Holy Spirit imparts in our lives.  What a great Father we have.  His love just keeps coming as we continue walking with Him by choosing to follow Jesus each day…

God bless,

Mark

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Led By The Spirit

Led By The Spirit
By Joyce Meyer in her “Closer To God Each Day” devotional

But I say, walk and live [habitually] in the [Holy] Spirit [responsive to and controlled and guided by the Spirit]; then you will certainly not gratify the cravings and desires of the flesh (of human nature without God.)
Galatians 5:16

It’s interesting that in Galatians 5:16 Paul did not say the cravings, or the desires of the flesh, would no longer exist for the children of God.  He said that we can choose to be led by the Holy Spirit, and by making that choice, we would not give in to the temptations that would try to separate us from God.

There are many things that try to lead us – other people, the devil, our own flesh (our body, mind, will, or emotions).  There are many voices in the world that are speaking to us, and often several at the same time.

In order to live in close relationship with God, it is imperative that we choose to be led by the Holy Spirit instead of those other voices.  He alone knows the will of God and is sent to dwell in each of us, to aid us in being all God has designed us to be, and to have all God wants us to have.

Being led by the Spirit means He leads us by peace and by wisdom, as well as by the Word of God.  He speaks in a still, small voice in our heart as we seek to live our lives for God.  The more we follow His leading, the more we will be victorious in life.

I encourage you to begin each day by saying, “Holy Spirit, I will listen for Your leading today.  Give me wisdom and peace so I can move in step with Your guidance.”

God bless,

Mark

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Our Prayers In Heaven

Happy Monday, Everyone…☺

Then I saw a Lamb (Jesus), looking as if it had been slain, standing at the center of the throne, encircled by the four living creatures and the elders.  The Lamb had seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth.  7 He went and took the scroll from the right hand of him who sat on the throne.  8 And when he had taken it, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb.  Each one had a harp and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of God’s people.
Revelation 5: 6-8

 

 

 

 

 

Isn’t that neat?  Your prayers go up to Heaven and become incense in golden bowls before Jesus’ throne.  When you pray, that’s where they go.  When I heard someone speak about this, it really hit me…Our prayers are precious to Jesus.

Keep praying.  ☺

God bless,

Mark